Rexel UK’s Dagenham site has become the 1,000th company to attain silver accreditation with FORS – the Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme.

Of Rexel’s 17 UK sites compromising of distribution centres, hubs and larger locations, nine have successfully achieved FORS bronze status.

It maintains an objective to achieve FORS accreditation across its entire transport network, including 250 further locations.

Rexel UK’s head of supply chain operations Paul Rotchford said: “We are a delivered business which accounts for upwards of 75% of our sales. As such, we take great pride in our transport operations being progressive – FORS helps us greatly with this objective within Rexel UK.”

In the last 18-months, Rexel UK has announced a 6.4% improvement in fuel economy, a reduction of 629,008kg in CO2 emissions, a 20% reduction in insurance costs and a reduction in penalty charge notices

“FORS has emerged as the default position for all our transport acitivities, and FORS silver at our Dagenham site means we go beyond legal operational requirements. Our vehicles are now fitted with a range of safety devices,” said Rotchford.

“The whole transport operation is performing to a FORS code of best practice. Safety is paramount, for our drivers and vulnerable road users – and we can demonstrate it, too.”

FORS reported: “As an own-account operator, Rexel UK’s rolling two-year training programme is at a level and intensity more associated with some of the UK’s leading, dedicated logistics companies.”